الحمد لله على كل شيء
al-ḥamdu lillāh ʿalā kulli shayʾ
The English phrase "alhamdulillah for everything" is expressed in Arabic as الحمد لله على كل شيء (al-ḥamdu lillāh ʿalā kulli shayʾ).
This phrase is used by Muslims to express contentment and submission to God's will during both ease and hardship, serving as an expression of gratitude to God for all circumstances, whether they are good or bad.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Praise is to God for every thing". The first word, al-ḥamdu, means "the praise" or "all praise", while the part ʿalā kulli shayʾ means "upon/for every thing".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Levantine dialect, you may hear الحمدلله على كل اشي (Alhamdulillah 'ala kull ishi).
How do you pronounce it?
al-ḥamdu lillāh ʿalā kulli shayʾ
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word الحمد ('al-ḥamdu') refers to a specific type of praise that is reserved only for the Creator, distinguishing it from 'shukr', which is gratitude shown to people.
- The phrase is used so universally that non-Muslim Arabic speakers, such as Arab Christians, frequently use it to express gratitude in their daily lives.
- While English speakers often use 'thank God' for relief, الحمد لله ('al-ḥamdu lillāh') is used as a constant rhythmic punctuation in daily conversation to acknowledge God's presence in every small detail of life.
Examples in context
- الحمد لله على كل شيء. أرى نفسي ناجحاً ومتحققاً في مجال عملي.Alhamdulillah 'ala kulli shay'. I see myself successful and accomplished in my field of work.
- الحمدلله على كلشي. كانت رائعة! شعرت بالسعادة العارمة.Alhamdulillah 'ala kullshi. It was amazing! I felt sheer happiness.
- الحمد لله على كل شيء في حياتي.al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli shayʾ fī ḥayātī.Praise be to God for everything in my life.
- الوضع صعب، لكن الحمد لله على كل شيء.al-waḍʿu ṣaʿbun, lakin al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli shayʾ.The situation is difficult, but praise be to God for everything.
- الحمد لله على كل شيء، سواء كان خيراً أو شراً.al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli shayʾ, sawāʾan kāna khayran aw sharran.Praise be to God for everything, whether it is good or bad.
Example conversation
Yusuf and Maryam are talking about recent life changes.
- يوسف Youssefهل أنتِ بخير يا مريم؟hal anti bi-khayrin yā Maryam?Are you alright, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamنعم، الحمد لله على كل شيء.naʿam, al-ḥamdu lillāhi ʿalā kulli shayʾ.Yes, praise be to God for everything.
- يوسف Youssefهذا هو الصبر الجميل.hādhā huwa al-ṣabru al-jamīl.That is beautiful patience.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك يا يوسف.shukran laka yā Yūsuf.Thank you, Yusuf.
